Is your smile looking discolored? Do you have gaps between your teeth, misshapen teeth, or chipped teeth? You might be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Cosmetic dentists often recommend these to patients who desire rapid and long-lasting results. Dental veneers are made of wafer-thin sheets of porcelain. They are custom-made to fit your smile and cover up imperfections. Although dental veneers are durable, they won’t last forever and will need to be replaced eventually. You can extend their longevity and keep them looking spectacular by following these tips.
Choose the right toothpaste
People often like to use whitening toothpastes to keep their teeth sparkly white between dental visits. Unfortunately, some of these products contain abrasive ingredients that can be harmful to your veneers. Make sure the toothpaste you choose doesn’t contain baking soda or other whitening “scrubbers.” If you have trouble finding one, your dentist can recommend a product.
Limit stains
Although you shouldn’t use a whitening toothpaste, dental veneers do tend to resist stains well. However, if you drink a lot of acidic beverages, such as soda, or highly pigmented foods and drinks, you may notice some gradually developing stains. You may want to keep a toothbrush in your desk at work so you can brush your teeth after lunch. This will help cut down on the stains. In addition, try to stick to plain water instead of soda or citrus juice.
Practice good oral hygiene
Although your dental veneers can’t develop cavities, they are attached to your natural teeth, which can develop tooth decay. Furthermore, there is always a risk of infections along the gum line. Practicing good oral hygiene will keep your veneers, teeth, and gums in great shape! Brush at least twice daily and floss at least once daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle strokes. Remember to schedule a dental exam and cleaning at least every six months. The hygienist’s cleaning techniques can also help remove stains.
Talk to your dentist about bruxism treatments
Bruxism refers to teeth grinding. Many people have bruxism without realizing it, as teeth grinding often occurs while the patient is asleep. Teeth grinding is incredibly harmful to both natural teeth and dental veneers. Over time, it can cause chips in both veneers and teeth, and it may even adversely affect the bite pattern. Your dentist can fit a custom nightguard to protect your teeth and veneers while you sleep.
Schedule a dental veneer consultation in Suffolk County
If you’re interested in finding out whether dental veneers could be the right choice for you, you can schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Nick or Dr. Elliot at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry. We specialize in smile makeovers, including the precision fitting of custom-crafted porcelain veneers. We pride ourselves on exceptional patient education and friendly care, and we’ll make sure you’re fully informed about your cosmetic dentistry options before you make a treatment decision.
To schedule a consult for dental veneers in Long Island, call our Rocky Point office today.
Additional resources on dental veneers:
- WebMD, Dental Health and Veneers, https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#1
- Healthline, What to Know Before You Get Dental Veneers, https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers
